My question was really a "gut check" question.
Does the trip intuitively feel worth it to you?
I was actually going to suggest looking at Costa Rica, there are some magnificent eco-tourism spots there. However, if your wife and kids was the resort-type experience, I'm not familiar with that kind of travel there.
But in the end, it's like I said previously. Figure out what you want most, look at cheaper destinations that offer something similar. Then you can objectively quantify the cost of the upgrade.
If it's only 15-20% more and what Hawaii has to offer is worth that to you, easy decision. If instead it's a few times the cost, that may end up feeling less worthwhile.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with concluding that this is worth the money. But it will end up being an entirely personal decision in terms of what's optimal for your family.
Costa Rica is probably more up my alley but the things/roads/accommodations may be a little too adventurous for DW who btw doesn't need to stay in a resort but likes to be in more central locations with normal amenities (no pool needed in beachy tropical area). And there are some pretty posh resorts in Costa Rica but they would make Hawaii look cheap.
20% difference to do what we want wouldn't even be a factor....maybe 2x or more. It really is about the mix of experiences, as a family we are kind of a day going hard then a day of lighter slower going. But with 5 people rarely is everybody on the same page all the time.
As a long-time Hawaii resident, with pretty heavy involvement in tourism, it is been an interesting thread to read.
First, you aren't crazy, Hawaii is super expensive since Covid. A variety of reasons, but with international traveling just opening late last year, Hawaii was pretty much the only game in town. Second, lots of folks had saved a lot of money, with not being able to go out to eat/drink/travel during Covid. So there was plenty of pent-up demand. There was not a lot of supply. You probably heard about the $200-$300/day car rentals that we common in 2021 and early 2022. That's been mostly fixed, but supply is tight.
The supply of hotel rooms hasn't recovered, and it is an open question when it will.
Most hotels laid off, most of their staff. Some folks left the state, and others found jobs outside of hospitality and have no interest in coming back to their jobs. At the same time, Oahu made AirBnbs illegal outside of Waikiki, and Maui also cracked down. Plenty of hotel rooms aren't able to be rented do to staff shortagess, plus reduced restaurant hours, made some rather bad experiences this past summer. A number of popular attractions limited the number of tourists and required reservations and much higher prices.
Before Covid, the state was on track to hit 10 million tourists/year. A number that virtually nobody in the state even those in the tourism biz wanted to see. Plenty of local folks would like see the number of tourist cut in half. The solution most have hit on is to attract, rich tourists. The kind that won't bat an eye for a $15k family vacation to Hawaii. The tourism board has been directed to look for higher quality tourist who are respectful of the culture and land. But right now there are just satisfied with visitors with more dollars.
2023, will be an interesting year, at some point I think hotels and restaurants, will be forced to lower prices, but with inflation real perhaps not.
If I was looking to save money on Hawaii vacation, here is what I do. Come during off peak times, after labor day through Oct is good, April, May also are bit cheaper. Summer, and Thanksgiving through Jan are the most expensive. I'd consider pulling the kids out of school week, I bet you can save $5K.
I'd also check out the Big Island, especially the Hilo side is less expensive and very laid back. It is my favorite island and if the teenagers want to be outdoors it is perfect, plus you can probably see an active volcano.
Finally consider a cruise, they start at $1500 for week, you see all or least most of the islands, most meals are included, and frankly better than tourist restaurants. Covid is obviously a concern, but if you are full boosted...
My last international trip before Covid was Costa Rica. Very nice people who are very ecological conscious, a pretty county, with decent beaches, but it ain't Hawaii.
